Day 7: Lots of walking!

Riiiiiiight! I get it! I think this is all part of Duncan's evil scheme to transform me into Xena, Warrior Princess...and I shall soon be presented with my little leather bikini. (Creates a fabulous 'visual', I know).

This morning started at 5.45am with the Grants stealing around the caravan and campsite in the early hours in preparation for an early walk. It was really quite cool, and the boys wanted to wear their jeans and a jumper to go walking up the mountain (definite 'noob' behaviour). Fortunately Duncan convinced them otherwise.

We started the great trek up to The Pinnacle via The Grand Canyon (the Grampian's version of it anyway) at around 7am. What should have set the alarm bells ringing was that we were 'down' and The Pinnacle was 'up', so consequently we had to walk up for 2.1km (yes, I was counting). With much huffing and puffing I quietly cursed all those delicious lamingtons, muffins, cookies, etc I put away last term. On the bright side I think I can safely say most of it melted away with the litres of persper-sweat that left my body along the way.

Yes, up is the way to go through the Grand Canyon.

It was worth the effort. The view from the top was breath-taking and there was a nice cool breeze too, which helped. By the time we headed down, there were a lot of sweaty tourists (German, English and Asian) heading up, and it was with a certain level of smugness that I said a cheery 'Hello, yes it is up all the way - lovely and cool at the top!'. Andrew was particularly proud that he made it up to the top (a 4.2km round trip).


Partaking of some fruit and reflecting on our fabulous efforts, we decided to take a drive and look at some waterfalls on the way 'home'. The Silverband Waterfall was represented by a few little trickly dots on the map, but turned out to be another 2km round trip, much to Andrew's horror. The dry creek bed was ominous, but Duncan pushed us on. We did indeed find a waterfall at the end - it being the only one I have ever seen that 'falls' but does not pool. The water simply vanishes at the base of the falls and that is that. (See picture.)

By midday the temperature had reached a toasty 36.8 and we couldn't decide whether in or out (the caravan) was cooler. The games room was pretty cool and I hung out there with the boys for a while, playing PS2 games. Andrew is convinced that I am addicted. A cool swim, a cool breeze, and all is much better now.

We will all sleep well tonight.